Donald Trump hails ‘truly great friendship’ with Xi Jinping as he welcomes Chinese President at the White House

Donald Trump hailed his relationship with Xi Jinping as he welcomed the Chinese President at the White House.

Speaking ahead of a private meeting, the US leader said Washington and Beijing had made “tremendous strides on the issues facing our two countries”.

"From the time of my first election in 2016, President XI and I have forged a friendship, a truly great friendship, actually built on mutual respect and the vital interests of our people,” Mr Trump said.

He pledged that the US and China would work together to "promote peace and prosperity for decades and decades to come”.

The US leader said he would cooperate with his counterpart on “security, technology and super intelligence”.

“Our two countries do, really, the same thing - and we're very proud of it and the relationship,” Mr Trump said.

Speaking afterwards, President Xi said: “Our two countries can understand each other better and build up mutual trust.”

“We should co-operate with sincerity,” the Chinese leader stressed, adding that he and Mr Trump share “mutual respect” and are in regular contact.

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